The GCFC diet

For Brandon Greaves, a gluten- and casein-free (GFCF) diet improved his gastrointestinal and behavioral symptoms and even led to increased language and social function. Nixing soy — another common problem food — helped, too. Kenneth Bock, MD, a family practice doctor in Rhinebeck, New York, and author of Healing the New Childhood Epidemics (Ballantine, 2007), says that although no dietary treatment works for every child, he cuts out gluten and casein for nearly all of his ADHD and autistic patients, for at least a period of time. The GFCF diet “turns lives around,” Bock says. But, despite rising popularity among parents and doctors, the GFCF diet remains controversial.

Current anecdotal evidence suggests that elimination diets may help a surprising number of these kids. “Two-thirds of autistic children and around half of children with ADHD will benefit from a gluten- and casein-free diet,” Laake says. But other experts say better research on the subject is needed. The few studies published to date each had design flaws and results contradict one another. Stay tuned, however: The results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health are expected out this year.

Laake advises an “elimination and challenge” approach, where one food is removed at a time and the child is monitored for symptoms. If no improvement is seen within one month, the food is reintroduced. “The best test is the child's own body,” Laake says. Because gluten and casein are among the most common intolerances, Laake recommends eliminating foods that contain these first, followed by soy, corn, yeast, and other commonly reactive foods, if necessary.

Solving nutrient deficiencies

Fixing nutrient deficiencies can also have positive effects for kids with autism or ADHD. Because of their inability to properly digest food and absorb nutrients, many children with these disorders may be low in zinc, magnesium, B vitamins, iron, essential fatty acids, and other nutrients. These deficiencies, Laake says, can affect everything from behavior to what a carrot tastes like. She advises working with a nutritionist or other knowledgeable health care provider to run tests to pinpoint the exact nutrients lacking in a child's diet and devise a food and supplement program aimed at filling in the gaps.

Lack of magnesium, for instance, can cause hyperactive-like behavior, sound sensitivity, and irritability. Zinc deficiency — a result of a defect in zinc metabolism that's common in autistic children and can be exacerbated by diets high in white flour and other high-glycemic foods — can change a child's sense of taste and smell. This helps explain why autistic children are notoriously picky eaters, often willing to eat only macaroni and cheese, yogurt, and other bland food, Laake says. “For these children, many foods have either no taste or a foul taste.” Poor taste perception won't improve until zinc levels rise. Feeding zinc-rich foods such as seafood, whole grains, beans, and cashews can help, but diet may not be sufficient to meet all of the child's zinc needs. Supplementation is usually the quickest way to get zinc into picky eaters, Laake says (see “Supplements for Autism and ADHD,” page 30).

Because autistic and ADHD kids are often very finicky eaters, Weber says improving and diversifying their diets may help. For her patients, she focuses first on protein-rich breakfasts, replacing foods made with refined flour and sugar with whole grains and fruits and vegetables, and serving water in place of soda or juice. By making these diet changes, Weber says, kids get crucial nutrients and balance their blood sugar levels — which is especially important for those prone to hyperactivity, inattentiveness, and mood swings.

Although Brandon Greaves' father admits that the diet changes aimed at helping a child with autism or ADHD aren't always easy to implement, he says such changes can actually benefit the entire family. “None of us eats fast food anymore,” Greaves says. “It takes a little more time and effort, but we're all eating and feeling better.”

Carlotta Mast is a frequent contributor to Delicious Living.

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